The focus for our joint worship with Moraine Valley Community Church will be on God's creation. Do we really appreciate all that God has created? Do we realize that we are entrusted with a responsibility to care for the Earth?

Both pastors will be speaking. My emphasis will be on our being a new creation in Jesus Christ. We have the words of the apostle Paul:

"So if anyone is in Christ there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see everything has become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Despite our sinfulness, God was willing to do a makeover with us. We now have the potential to live the kind of life that God desires for us. Yes, we do fight continually against our sinful self, the world, and the temptations of Satan. Nevertheless, with Jesus' help there is a "newness" that can come out from us. This newness in us can lead us to be a good caretaker of all that God has created.

In preparation for Sunday's worship, you may reflect on how you are caring for the Earth and what the church can do collectively to care for creation. Plan on attending worship so that we can together praise God for the work of creation!